Every autumn, Salmon growing up in the Pacific Ocean swims upstream in some river in Shiraoi, where they were born three or four years ago to lay eggs. They swim upstream directed by the smell in their memory, which makes them very special.  One week after laying eggs, the salmon’s short life ends.

Observation period: The middle of October – The early of November

Here are three spots that is easy to access to watch the Salmon run in Shiraoi: 

1. On the bridge near Tarakoya Kojohama

Tarakoya Kojohama is a store selling marine products with an eat-in corner. If you want to use the parking lot of the store, please shop at the store before going to observe the Salmon run. Walk about 2 minutes from the parking lot to the observation location in the photo below.

Tarakoya Kojohama 
Address: 185-7 Kojohama, Shiraoi, Hokkaido
Telephone: +81144-87-3892
Holidays: Thursdays
Business hours: Store 9:00～17:00
                           Restaurant Weekdays 11:30～14:30
                                              Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 11:00～15:00
HP: https://kojohama.shop-pro.jp/

2. From the Shin-Ayoro Bridge nearby Takemaru Shibuya Fisheries 

You can observe the salmon upstream from the Shin-Ayoro Bridge, which is about one-minute-walk from Takemaru Shibuya Fisheries. 
If you want to park your car at the parking lot of Takemaru Shibuya Fisheries, please shop there first. It deals with processed seafood products such as tarako, ikura…

Takemaru Shibuya Fisheries
Address: 179-5 Kojubama, Shiraoi, Hokkaido
Telephone: +81144-87-2433
Public holidays: Sundays
Business hours: 8:30~16:30
HP: https://www.shibuyasuisan.com/

3. Opposite to Kikyohara Farm

This location offers a close-up view of salmon run. There is a small step in the river, and you can see the salmon jumping upwards.
The store specializes in Shiitake mushrooms grown on logs winning the highest award such as the Hayashinohara Governor’s Award at the “14th Hokkaido Mushroom Competition”.

Kikyohara Farm
Address: 439-2 Kojubama, Shiraoi, Hokkaido
Telephone: +81144-87-2317
Business hours: 8:00～18:00 (April～September) The store opens all year round.